Description
This Perfect Parmesan Garlic Bread recipe delivers an easy, artisan-style loaf with a crispy crust and a soft, airy crumb infused with savory parmesan and garlic. Using a no-knead dough that rises overnight, it’s simple to prepare and bakes beautifully in a Dutch oven for a rustic, bakery-quality bread perfect for any meal or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons (7g) active dry yeast
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (around 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
Flavorings
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2–3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon (15g) chopped fresh rosemary or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix 3 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast in 1 1/2 cups of warm water at about 110°F (43°C). Let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating active yeast.
- Mix Dough: Pour the yeast mixture into the flour mixture. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and stir everything together with a wooden spoon until combined. The dough will be sticky, which is ideal for texture.
- Add Flavorings: Fold in 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese, 2–3 cloves of minced garlic, and optionally 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary or parsley for added aroma and flavor.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm area. Allow the dough to rise for 12 to 18 hours or overnight, until doubled in size and bubbly.
- Shape Loaf: Transfer the risen dough to a floured surface. Gently shape it into a round loaf without overworking to keep it airy.
- Rest and Preheat: Rest the shaped dough on parchment paper for 30 minutes while preheating the oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it in the oven to heat as well.
- Score Dough: Using a sharp knife or bread lame, score the top of the dough to allow expansion during baking.
- Bake Covered: Carefully place the parchment paper with dough into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Remove the bread and cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing to set the texture.
Notes
- Use warm water around 110°F to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- Overworking the dough when shaping can cause a dense bread; be gentle for an airy crumb.
- Preheating the Dutch oven ensures even heat and a crispy crust.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent gummy texture.
- Fresh herbs are optional but add a fresh flavor dimension to the bread.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: parmesan garlic bread, artisan bread, no-knead bread, homemade bread, parmesan cheese, garlic bread recipe, easy bread recipe
